A total of 168 terrorists were killed by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir in the last two years, with 63 of them being neutralised in the hinterland last year, Defence Minister A K Antony informed the Lok Sabha today.
In a written reply to the House, Antony provided the figures relating to terrorists killed in the state along the Line of Control (LoC) and the hinterland.
In 2012, 73 terrorists were killed with 10 of them being neutralised along the LoC. The remaining 63 were killed by the Indian Army in the hinterland.
In reply to a question whether the pickets near the border are lying vacant, Antony said, "Posts along the LoC are occupied based on terrain and tactical consideration. Few specific posts in higher reaches are vacated in winter owing to high snow levels and increased avalanche threat."
The Union minister said that surveillance and domination of these areas during this period is ensured by maintaining an effective vigil by employing helicopters and other aerial methods.
"These posts are re-occupied as soon as feasible, once the snow level recedes," he said.
On whether reports of terrorists trying to capture these pickets have come to the notice of the government, Antony said, "Attempts by terrorists to infiltrate from across the border and cause damage continues. Surveillance and dominance is ensured to defeat the designs of infiltrators.
